Michael Tobin - Forget Strategy. Get Results.: Radical Management Attitudes That Will Deliver Outstanding Success

Table of Contents

Michael Tobin is one of Britain's most successful and inspirational business leaders. His new book Forget Strategy is full of stories, observations, tips and ideas for leaders in the 21st century. From the opening when Tobin turns up for an awards ceremony wearing a tee shirt and ripped jeans, only to discover it is a black-tie dinner to swimming with sharks, a KGB-type interrogation or hiking an Icelandic glacier, Forget Strategy is about thinking differently. Even if you disagree with some of what Tobin has to say, the stories will stick in the mind. An inspirational must-read for anyone who wants to think through problems and find inventive solutions.

Gavin Esler, BBC Presenter

Michael Tobin avoids the traps of many management books and flies in the face of conventional wisdom. Focussing on EQ, his leadership approach delivers outstanding business performance and is equally relevant to an entrepreneur, someone taking their first steps into employment or a seasoned manager.

James Bennet, MBE, Director, Ernst & Young LLP

This is a concise and effective manual for personal and commercial success, penned by a friend who has been there and done it privately and publically. One of his mantras, Fear of failure closes you up. Feeling you have the power to change, to do something, is powerful. Don't worry about mistakes has driven his amazing business success and his remarkable and generous private life where he has helped so many, less fortunate than him. Read, learn the lessons, and execute them.

Alastair Stewart, OBE

Mike is a great person, an inspiration to so many and has created success for himself and his companies through hard work, dedication and being brave enough to make tough decisions when they're needed which is vital as a leader. Despite his rise to the top, he has remained humble throughout and stuck to his core values, which is so important. A book worth reading if success and how to face up to challenges is what you're after.

Alec Stewart, OBE, Director of Cricket, Surrey CCC

There is one thing of which I am certain. Doing good is good for business and that just shines through in everything that Tobin does. He has one of the biggest hearts I know in business and that translates into customer and staff loyalty. It can also alter perceptions from hard-nosed analysts like me. I learnt a lot from this book. Not just about Tobin but it also made me rethink my own personal approach to business. I suspect it will for you too.

Richard Holway MBE, Chairman, TechMarketView LLP

It's amazing how Michael Tobin takes us through his own experiences to enlighten true fundamentals of leadership. It's a must-have book for any CEO.

Miquel Llad, Professor of General Management, IESE Business School

Forget Strategy. Get Results. differs from the traditional management books I have read in the past. Tobin is direct and the F themes are a useful guiding principle through the book. Certainly some of the practices are really valid and you'll likely find yourself relating to some based on your own experiences, either as a leader or a follower.

Carlos P. Hornstein, Head of US Executive Education, IESE Business School

Pacey, direct, challenging and very well written.

Professor Susan Blackmore, Psychologist, freelance writer, lecturer and broadcaster

This edition first published 2014

2014 Michael Tobin

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ISBN 978-1-118-80878-8 (paperback) ISBN 978-1-118-80883-2 (hardback)

ISBN 978-1-118-80881-8 (ebk) ISBN 978-1-118-80880-1 (ebk)

Cover design: Salad Creative Ltd

To my wife Shalina, whose leap of faith has given me happiness beyond measure

Introduction